DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) is not the end of the Bangsamoro’s quest for self-rule as it has yet to deliver its promise of “genuine autonomy” under the proposed establishment of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), an official of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) said.
“The ARMM leadership believes this is not the end of our quest for self-rule and, therefore, the new Bangsamoro government will live up to its promise of genuine autonomy,” ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman said in a statement on Saturday.
Hataman said that the proposed Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao should implement a genuine autonomy after a successful plebiscite on the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), adding that BARMM should make a difference by improving the lives of its people.
“We would like to see the kind of autonomy that makes full use of good governance and will make a positive impact on the lives of the region’s constituents. We must put a premium on the welfare of our people and ensure open and transparent governance if we are to build a lasting peace that benefits all,” Hataman said.
Hataman’s issued the statement after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Friday announced the ratification of RA 11054, following a peaceful plebiscite last January 21.
“The result of the recently-concluded exercise has become even more meaningful with Cotabato City voting for inclusion in the new region—the seat of the regional government for the last 29 years—Cotabato had rejected inclusion in the autonomous region twice,” he said.
He also lauded the Bangsamoro people for the peaceful conduct of last Monday’s plebiscite. It is time for the Bangsamoro people to unite.
“This crucial time as we enter the transition period will set the tone for the work that must continue and the peace, progress, and prosperity we all seek,” he added. (davaotoday.com)
